Route 52 A Big Lump Of Country Unknown

On the surface, Pōrangahau is a classic Aotearoa coastal village. Across the river bridge, a turn-of-the-century timber hotel stands prominent. Opposite, a blindingly blue Tip Top dairy serves ice cream, fish’n’chips, and mail. The corner garage has a car on one hoist, a tractor on the other, and a quad bike waiting its turn.

Past the fire station, the wharenui-like war memorial hall lies waiting, too, for the next community fundraiser or ANZAC service. A classic colonial church sits behind a white picket fence. There’s salt in the air and t?? in the trees. This is about as Kiwi as it gets.

Route 52 A Big Lump Of Country Unknown tells their stories of isolation, joy, architecture, and humour.